A 25-year-old male is found hanging from a ligature. He has been cut down by bystanders. He is unresponsive with a GCS of 3 and has agonal breathing. ...

Question

A 25-year-old male is found hanging from a ligature. He has been cut down by bystanders. He is unresponsive with a GCS of 3 and has agonal breathing. There are visible ligature marks on his neck. What is the most critical consideration for airway management in this patient?

Accepted Answer

The cervical spine should be immobilised in a neutral position and intubation should be performed with manual in-line stabilisation

Answer

Nasopharyngeal airway is contraindicated due to possible basal skull fracture

Answer

The airway should be managed without any cervical spine precautions as the mechanism does not affect the spine

Answer

A lateral decubitus position should be adopted to protect the airway

Answer

Only supraglottic airways should be used to avoid worsening any laryngeal injury

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Near-Hanging

A 25-year-old male is found hanging from a ligature. He has been cut down by bystanders. He is unresponsive with a GCS of 3 and has agonal breathing. There are visible ligature marks on his neck. What is the most critical consideration for airway management in this patient?